Systems and methods for formation and harvesting of nanofibrous materials

ABSTRACT

A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system include a housing coupled to a synthesis chamber within which nanotubes are produced. A spindle may extend from within the housing, across the inlet, and into the chamber for collecting nanotubes and twisting them into a yarn. A body portion may be positioned at an intake end of the spindle. The body portion may include a pathway for imparting a twisting force onto the flow of nanotubes and guide them into the spindle for collection and twisting into the nanofibrous yarn. Methods and apparatuses for forming nanofibrous are also disclosed.

RELATED US APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/191,109, filed Jul. 16, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,999,285, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/488,387, filed Jul. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,620,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/703,328, filed Jul. 28, 2005, each of which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems for formation and harvesting ofnanofibrous materials, and more particularly to the formation of yarnsand non-woven sheets from nanotubes, nanowires, or other filamentousstructures having nanoscale dimensions.

BACKGROUND ART

Carbon nanotubes are known to have extraordinary tensile strength,including high strain to failure and relatively high tensile modulus.Carbon nanotubes may also be highly resistant to fatigue, radiationdamage, and heat. To this end, the addition of carbon nanotubes tocomposite materials can increase tensile strength and stiffness of thecomposite materials.

Within the last fifteen (15) years, as the properties of carbonnanotubes have been better understood, interests in carbon nanotubeshave greatly increased within and outside of the research community. Onekey to making use of these properties is the synthesis of nanotubes insufficient quantities for them to be broadly deployed. For example,large quantities of carbon nanotubes may be needed if they are to beused as high strength components of composites in macroscale structures(i.e., structures having dimensions greater than 1 cm.)

One common route to nanotube synthesis can be through the use of gasphase pyrolysis, such as that employed in connection with chemical vapordeposition. In this process, a nanotube may be formed from the surfaceof a catalytic nanoparticle. Specifically, the catalytic nanoparticlemay be exposed to a gas mixture containing carbon compounds serving asfeedstock for the generation of a nanotube from the surface of thenanoparticle.

Recently, one promising route to high-volume nanotube production hasbeen to employ a chemical vapor deposition system that grows nanotubesfrom catalyst particles that “float” in the reaction gas. Such a systemtypically runs a mixture of reaction gases through a heated chamberwithin which the nanotubes may be generated from nanoparticles that haveprecipitated from the reaction gas. Numerous other variations may bepossible, including ones where the catalyst particles may bepre-supplied.

In cases where large volumes of carbon nanotubes may be generated,however, the nanotubes may attach to the walls of a reaction chamber,resulting in the blockage of nanomaterials from exiting the chamber.Furthermore, these blockages may induce a pressure buildup in thereaction chamber, which can result in the modification of the overallreaction kinetics. A modification of the kinetics can lead to areduction in the uniformity of the material produced.

An additional concern with nanomaterials may be that they need to behandled and processed without generating large quantities of airborneparticulates, since the hazards associated with nanoscale materials arenot yet well understood.

The processing of nanotubes or nanoscale materials for macroscaleapplications has steadily increased in recent years. The use ofnanoscale materials in textile fibers and related materials has alsobeen increasing. In the textile art, fibers that are of fixed length andthat have been processed in a large mass may be referred to as staplefibers. Technology for handling staple fibers, such as flax, wool, andcotton has long been established. To make use of staple fibers infabrics or other structural elements, the staple fibers may first beformed into bulk structures such as yarns, tows, or sheets, which thencan be processed into the appropriate materials.

Long nanotubes, which may have dimensions of 20 nm or less in diameterand 10 microns or more in length, can have relatively high aspectratios. These nanotube fibers, when produced in large quantities from,for instance, chemical vapor deposition, may be used as a new source ofstaple fibers despite being smaller than most other textile staplefibers.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system and an approachto collect and handle synthesized nanotubes that can minimize thegeneration air-borne particulates, and in such a way as to permitprocessing of the nanotubes into a fibrous material of high strength forsubsequent incorporation into various applications, structural orotherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a system for formingnanofibrous materials, such as yarn. The system includes a housinghaving an inlet for engaging an independent synthesis chamber withinwhich nanotubes may be produced. The system also includes a spindlehaving an intake end, an opposing outlet end, and a pathwaytherebetween. In an embodiment, the spindle extends from within thehousing, across the inlet and into the chamber for collecting thenanotubes through the intake end and for subsequently twisting thenanotubes into a nanofibrous yarn. The system further includes a spoolpositioned within the housing and downstream of the spindle for windingthereonto the yarn from the spindle. A sensor system can also beprovided to generate feedback data to control a rate of spin of thespindle and spool, so as to avoid compromising the integrity of the yarnas it is being wound about the spool. In one embodiment, a guide arm maybe provided between the spindle and spool to direct the yarn exitingfrom the spindle onto the spool for subsequent winding.

The present invention provides, in another embodiment, a system forforming a nanofibrous non-woven sheet. The system includes a housinghaving an inlet for engaging an independent synthesis chamber withinwhich nanotubes may be produced. The system also includes a movingsurface positioned adjacent the inlet within the housing for collectingand transporting the nanotubes flowing from the synthesis chamber. Apressure applicator may be situated adjacent the moving surface to applya force against the collected nanotubes on the moving surface, so as tocompact the nanotubes into a non-woven sheet of intermingled nanotubes.The system further includes a spool positioned within the housing anddownstream of the pressure applicator for winding thereonto thenon-woven sheet. A separator may also be provided to apply a material onto one side of the non-woven sheet prior to the sheet being wound aboutthe spool to minimize bonding of the non-woven sheet to itself. Thesystem can also include a sensor system to generate feedback data tocontrol a rate of spin of the moving surface and spool, so as to avoidcompromising the integrity of the yarn as it is being wound about thespool.

The present invention, in a further embodiment, provides a method forforming a nanofibrous yarn. The method includes receiving a plurality ofsynthesized nanotubes moving substantially in one direction. Theenvironment may be an airtight environment. In an embodiment, prior toreceiving, a vortex flow may be imparted on to the nanotubes so as toprovide an initial twisting. Next, the nanotubes may be twisted togetherinto a yarn in a direction substantially transverse to the direction ofmovement of the nanotubes. Thereafter, the yarn may be moved toward anarea for harvesting and subsequently harvested by winding the yarn aboutan axis substantially transverse to a direction of movement of the yarn.The rate of winding may be controlled so as to avoid compromising theintegrity of the yarn.

The present invention also provides a method for forming a nanofibrousnon-woven sheet. The method includes depositing a plurality ofsynthesized nanotubes onto a surface and subsequently transporting thenanotubes away from a point of deposition. Next, pressure may be appliedonto the plurality of nanotubes against the surface, so as to compactthe nanotubes into a non-woven sheet of intermingled nanotubes. Thenon-woven sheet may then be directed toward an area for harvesting. Inan embodiment, a material may be put onto one side of the non-wovensheet to prevent the sheet from bonding to itself. The non-woven sheetmay subsequently be harvested by winding the sheet about an axissubstantially transverse to a direction of movement of the sheet. In anembodiment, The rate of winding may be controlled so as to avoidcompromising the integrity of the non-woven sheet.

The present invention, in a further embodiment, provides an apparatusfor presenting synthesized nanotubes in a twisting manner for subsequentformation of nanofibrous materials. The apparatus includes a bodyportion having a pathway through which synthesized nanotubes may flow.The apparatus may also include a cap portion attached to a distal end ofthe body portion and having an opening through which the nanotubes mayexit. A channel may be situated between the cap portion and the bodyportion circumferentially about the pathway. The apparatus may furtherinclude a plurality of exit ports, positioned within the channel, influid communication with the pathway, so as to impart a vortex flow intothe pathway. In this way, nanotubes flowing through the pathway can bepresented in a twisting manner after exiting the distal end of the bodyportion.

The present invention also provides another apparatus for presentingsynthesized nanotubes for subsequent formation of nanofibrous materials.The apparatus includes a disc having a proximal end and a distal end. Apassageway, in one embodiment, extends between the proximal end and adistal end. The apparatus also includes a constricted portion at thedistal end of the passageway to permit accumulation of the nanotubesthereat. To that end, the constricted portion at the distal end mayprovide a source from which nanotubes may be presented for subsequentformation of nanofibrous materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for formation and harvesting of nanofibrousmaterials in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a variation of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 A-B illustrate a vortex generator for use in connection with thesystem shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A illustrates another variation of the system shown in FIG. 1.FIG. 4B illustrates anchor 40 according to some embodiments of theinvention.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate another system of the present invention forformation and harvesting of nanofibrous materials.

FIGS. 7 A-B illustrate another vortex generator for use in connectionwith the system shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Nanotubes for use in connection with the present invention may befabricated using a variety of approaches. Presently, there existmultiple processes and variations thereof for growing nanotubes. Theseinclude: (1) Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), a common process that canoccur at near ambient or at high pressures, (2) Arc Discharge, a hightemperature process that can give rise to tubes having a high degree ofperfection, and (3) Laser ablation. It should be noted that althoughreference is made below to nanotube synthesized from carbon, othercompound(s) may be used in connection with the synthesis of nanotubesfor use with the present invention.

The present invention, in one embodiment, employs a CVD process orsimilar gas phase pyrolysis procedures well known in the industry togenerate the appropriate nanotubes. In particular, since growthtemperatures for CVD can be comparatively low ranging, for instance,from about 600° C. to about 1300° C., carbon nanotubes, both single wall(SWNT) or multiwall (MWNT), may be grown, in an embodiment, fromnanostructural catalyst particles supplied by reagent carbon-containinggases (i.e., gaseous carbon source).

Moreover, the strength of the SWNT and MWNT generated for use inconnection with the present invention may be about 30 GPa maximum.Strength, as should be noted, is sensitive to defects. However, theelastic modulus of the SWNT and MWNT fabricated for use with the presentinvention is typically not sensitive to defects and can vary from about1 to about 1.5 TPa. Moreover, the strain to failure, which generally canbe a structure sensitive parameter, may range from a few percent to amaximum of about 10% in the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a system 10 for collectingand extended length nanotubes produced by a CVD process within asynthesis chamber 11, and for subsequently forming fibrous structures ormaterials, such as yarn, from the nanotubes. Synthesis chamber 11, ingeneral, includes an entrance end 111, into which reaction gases may besupplied, a hot zone 112, where synthesis of extended length nanotubes113 may occur, and an exit end 114 from which the products of thereaction, namely the extended length nanotubes 113 and exhaust gases,may exit and be collected. In one embodiment, synthesis chamber 11 maybe a quartz tube 115, extending through a furnace 116, and may includeflanges 117 provided at exit end 114 and entrance end 114 for sealingtube 115. Although illustrated as such in FIG. 1, it should beappreciated that other configurations may be employed in the design ofsynthesis chamber 11.

System 10, in one embodiment of the present invention, includes ahousing 12. Housing 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may be substantiallyairtight to minimize the release of potentially hazardous airborneparticulates generated from within the synthesis chamber 11 into theenvironment, and to prevent oxygen from entering into the system 10 andreaching the synthesis chamber 11. It should be appreciated that thepresence of oxygen within the synthesis chamber 11 can compromise theproduction and affect the integrity of the extended nanotubes 113.

System 10 also include an inlet 13 for engaging the flanges 117 at exitend 114 of synthesis chamber 11 in a substantially airtight manner. Inone embodiment, inlet 13 may include at least one gas exhaust 131through which gases and heat may leave the housing 12. Gas exiting fromexhaust 131, in an embodiment, may be allowed to pass through a liquid,such as water, or a filter to collect nanomaterials not gathered on to arotating spindle 14 upstream of the exhaust 10. In addition, the exhaustgas may be exposed to a flame and air in order to de-energize variouscomponents of the exhaust gas, for instance, reactive hydrogen may beoxidized to form water.

Rotating spindle 14, as shown in FIG. 1, may be designed to extend fromwithin housing 12, through inlet 13, and into synthesis chamber 11 forcollection of extended length nanotubes 113. In an embodiment, rotatingspindle 14 may include an intake end 141 into which a plurality ofnanotubes may enter and be spun into a yarn 15. In an embodiment, thedirection of spin may be substantially transverse to the direction ofmovement of the nanotubes 113. Rotating spindle 14 may also include apathway, such as hollow core 142, along which yarn 15 may be guidedtoward outlet end 143 of spindle 14. The intake end 141 of rotatingspindle 14 may include a variety of designs. In one embodiment, intakeend 141 may simply include an aperture (not shown) through which thenanotubes 113 may enter. Alternatively, it may include a funnel-likestructure 144 that may serve to guide the nanotubes 113 into the intakeend 141. Structure 144 can also serve to support yarn 15, should itbreak, until such time that it might be able to reconstitute itself fromthe twisting with newly deposited nanotubes 113. In one embodiment, aroller, capstan or other restrictive devices (not shown) may be providedadjacent the intake end 141 of spindle 14 in order to: (1) serve as apoint from which yarn 15 may be twisted, and (2) prevent springiness inyarn 15 from pulling the yarn too quickly into the core 142 of spindle14, which can prevent yarn 15 from re-forming if it were to break.

System 10 further includes a guide arm 16 which may be coupled to theoutlet end 143 of rotating spindle 14 to guide and direct yarn 15 towarda spool 17 for gathering thereon. In accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention, a set of pulleys 161, eyelets, or hooks may beprovided as attachments to the guide arm 16 to define a path on whichyarn 15 may be directed along the guide arm 16. Alternatively, yarn 15may be permitted to pass through a tubular structure (not shown) thatcan direct yarn 15 from the outlet end 143 of spindle 14 to a point fromwhich yarn 15 may be wound onto spool 17.

Guide arm 16 and rotating spindle 14, in an embodiment, may worktogether to induce twisting in yarn 15. The rotation of spindle 14 andguide arm 16, as shown in FIG. 1, may be mechanically driven, forexample, by an electric motor 18 coupled to the spindle 14 via a belt181, for instance.

Spool 17, situated within housing 12, may be positioned, in oneembodiment, downstream of guide arm 16 for the harvesting of yarn 15. Inparticular, yarn 15 advancing from guide arm 16 may be directed on to aspinning spool 17, such that yarn 15 may thereafter be woundcircumferentially about spool 17. Although shown to be in axialalignment with rotating spindle 14, it should be appreciated that spool17 may be placed at any other location within housing 12, so long asspool 17 may be spun about its axis to collect yarn 15 from guide arm16. In an embodiment the axis of spin of spool 17 may be substantiallytransverse to the direction of movement of yarn 15 onto spool 17.

To impart rotation to spool 17, an additional mechanical drive 19 may becoupled to spool 17. In one embodiment, spool 17 may be synchronized tospin or rotate near or at substantially a similar rotation rate as thatof spindle 14 to permit uniform harvesting of yarn 15 on to spool 17.Otherwise, if, for instance, the rate of rotation of spool 17 is fasterthan that of spindle 14, breakage of yarn 15 from guide arm 16 to spool17 may occur, or if the rate is slower than that of spindle 14, looseportions from yarn 15 may end up entangled.

To maintain substantial synchronization of rotation rates, movement ofmechanical drives 18 and 19 may be adjusted by a control system (notshown). In one embodiment, the control system may be designed to receivedata from position sensors, such as optical encoders 182, attached toeach of mechanical drives 17 and 18. Subsequently, based on the data,the control system may use a control algorithm in order to modify powersupplied to each drive in order to control the rate of each drive sothat they substantially match the rate of nanotube synthesis. As aresult, the control system can impart: (1) constant yarn velocitycontrolled by set tension limits, or (2) constant tension controlled byvelocity limits. In one embodiment, the yarn velocity can be reset inreal time depending on the tension values, so that the tension may bekept within a preset limit. In addition, the yarn tension can be resetin real time depending on the velocity values, so that the tension canbe kept within a set value.

The control system can also vary the rate between the spool 17 andspindle 14, if necessary, to control the yarn up-take by the spool 17.In addition, the control system can cause the spool 17 to move back andforth along its axis, so as to permit the yarn 15 to be uniformly woundthereabout.

In operation, under steady-state production using a CVD process of thepresent invention, extended length nanotubes may be collected fromwithin the synthesis chamber 11 and yarn 15 may thereafter be formed. Inparticular, as the nanotubes 113 emerge from the synthesis chamber 11,they may be collected into a bundle, fed into the intake end 141 ofspindle 14, and subsequently spun or twist into yarn 15 therewithin. Itshould be noted that a continual twist to yarn 15 can build upsufficient angular stress to cause rotation near a point where newnanotubes 113 arrive at the spindle 14 to further the yarn formationprocess. Moreover, a continual tension may be applied to yarn 15 or itsadvancement may be permitted at a controlled rate, so as to allow itsuptake circumferentially about spool 17.

Typically, the formation of yarn 15 results from a bundling of nanotubes113 that may subsequently be tightly spun into a twisting yarn.Alternatively, a main twist of yarn 15 may be anchored at some pointwithin system 10 and the collected nanotubes 113 may be wound on to thetwisting yarn 15. Both of these growth modes can be implemented inconnection with the present invention.

Looking now at FIG. 2, a vortex generator, such as gas-spinner 20, maybe provided toward the exit end 114 of synthesis chamber 11 to generatea substantial vortex flow in order to impart a twisting motion to thenanotubes 113 prior to being directed into spindle 14 and spun into yarn15. The generation of a vortex to impart twisting motion may also serveto even out an amount of nanotube material used in the formation of yarn15. Gas-spinner 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-B, may be designed toinclude a cap portion 31, a body portion 32, and a channel 33 positionedcircumferentially about the gas-spinner 20 between the cap portion 31and body portion 32.

The cap portion 31, in an embodiment, includes a duct 311 through whichan inert gas from a supply line 312 may enter into channel 33 of thegas-spinner 30 for subsequent generation of a vortex flow. Examples ofan inert gas for use in connection with the gas-spinner 20 includes, He,Ar or any other suitable inert gases.

The body portion 32, on the other hand, includes an axisymmetric pathway321, through which gas (i.e., fluid) and fibrous nanomaterials (i.e.,nanotubes 113) generated from hot zone 112 of the synthesis chamber 11may flow (arrows 35 in FIG. 3A). In one embodiment, pathway 321 includesa tapered portion 322 adjacent a proximal end 325 of the body portion 32and a substantially uniform portion 323 adjacent a distal end 326 of thebody portion 32. With such a design, the tapered portion 322 and theuniform portion 323 can act together to minimize over-accumulation orbuild-up of nanotubes 113 upstream of the spindle 14. Specifically,pathway 321 can act to guide the nanotubes 113 into the tapered portion322 and across the uniform portion 323, so that nanotubes 113 generatedfrom the synthesis chamber 11 may avoid being caught on sharp edges orother protruding obstructions within the synthesis chamber 11. To permitnanotubes to exit from pathway 321, cap portion 31 includes an opening313, in substantial axial alignment with the uniform portion 323 ofpathway 321.

The body portion 32 may also include a recess 324, which upon anengagement between the body portion 32 and cap portion 31, becomeschannel 33. The body portion 32 may further include exit ports 325positioned within recess 324. In one embodiment, exit ports 325 may besymmetrically distributed about the uniform portion 323 to subsequentlygenerate, within the uniform portion 323 of pathway 321, a vortex flowfrom the inert gas previously introduced into channel 33. It should beappreciated that since vortex flow requires a tangential velocity vectorcomponent around a given axis, e.g., axis of symmetry of gas-spinner 30,in order to provide this tangential velocity component, the exit ports325, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, may need to be positioned in a planenormal to the axis of symmetry, and in such a way that each exit port325 enters the uniform portion 323 of the pathway 321 at a substantiallynon-perpendicular angle. In other words, each exit port 325 needs to bein tangential communication with the pathway 321, so that fluid (e.g.,inert gas) within channel 33, when permitted to move across each exitport 325, can flow into the uniform portion 323 of pathway 321 in atangential manner.

It should also be appreciated that by providing a solid constriction tothe flow of gas and generated nanomaterials, the gas-spinner 20 can alsoallow substantial freedom in defining yarn and tow formation modes forsystem 10 of the present invention. Moreover, to the extent necessary,gas-spinner 20 can provide an area where nanotubes 113 may accumulate,particularly when the gas supplied through the gas-spinner 20 is at alow flow rate to create a source from which nanotubes 113 may be pulled,such as that by a leader (see description below) to subsequently twistinto yarn 15.

In an alternate embodiment, a different vortex generator, suchelectrostatic spinner 70, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-B, may be used toimpart a substantial vortex flow to the nanotubes 113 prior to directingthe nanotubes 113 into spindle 14 where they may be spun into yarn 15.Electrostatic spinner 70, in an embodiment, includes a substantiallytubular body 71 having an entry end 72, an exit end 73, and a pathway 74extending therebetween. The electrostatic spinner 70 may also include aplurality of electrical contacts 75 situated circumferentially about thepathway 74. Each contact 75 includes a positive end +V and a negativeend −V, and can be made from a metallic material, such as copper. Inthis regard, a voltage may be applied to each of the contacts 75 togenerate an electric field. Moreover, as voltage may be applied to eachcontact 75 in succession, a rotating electrostatic field may begenerated. Since the nanotubes 113 have a substantially high aspectratio and since they can be conductors, the nanotubes 113 may beattracted to the electrostatic field and move in a vortex or windingmanner as the field moves about the pathway 74. It should be noted thatthe winding motion imparted to the nanotubes 113 may be substantiallytransverse to the direction along which the nanotubes 113 may move fromthe entry end 72 to the exit end 73 of the body portion 71. To controlthe application of voltage to each successive contact 75, anycommercially available controller chip or processor may be used.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, at theinception of formation of yarn 15, it may be beneficial to start theyarn with a “leader.” This leader, for example, may be an additionalpiece of nanotube yarn, some other type of yarn or filament, or a thinwire. In an embodiment, a wire may be used because it can provide therequisite stiffness necessary to transfer the twisting motion of thespindle 14 to the accumulating webbing or bundle of nanotubes 113 untilthere exist a sufficient build-up, such that the wire can tether an endof a growing yarn. The wire used, in one embodiment, may be, forexample, a ferrous wire or nichrome, since these alloys can withstandthe temperature within the hot zone (600° C.-1300° C.) of the synthesischamber 11. Moreover, nanotubes produced via a CVD process have beenobserved to adhere relatively well to these alloys. In particular, sincecatalytic nanoparticles at the end of the nanotubes 113 may includeferromagnetic materials, such as Fe, Co, Ni, etc., these nanoparticlescan magnetically attract to the magnetic domains on the ferrous alloymaterials.

To the extent that a leader is provided, it may be necessary topre-thread the leader before the start of the reaction. Specifically, ahole, in one embodiment, may provided in the spool 17 to serve as ananchor point for one end of the leader. Additionally, notches or slotsmay be provided in the guide pulleys 161 to permit the leader to beeasily inserted into the guide arm 16. The leader may then be insertedinto the spindle 14, and thereafter advanced into the synthesis chamber11 upstream to gas-spinner 20, should one be employed.

Looking at FIG. 4, when using a leader, an anchor 40 may be provided inplace of gas-spinner 20 to provide a source from which the leader canpull nanotubes into the spindle 14 to initiate the yarn making process.In an embodiment, anchor 40 may be positioned toward the exit end 114 ofsynthesis chamber 11 to constrict the flow of gas and nanotubes 113 sothat an accumulation of nanotubes 113 can be generated within the anchor40. To do so, anchor 40 may be designed as a disc having a distal end41, a proximal end 42, and a passageway 44 extending therebetween. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, passageway 44 may taper from the proximal end 42toward the distal end 41. In this manner, when nanotubes 113 enterpassageway 44 toward constricted portion 45, the constricted portion 45may act to accumulate nanotubes 113 thereat to provide a source for theleader. Although provided as being tapered or toroidal in shape, itshould be appreciated that passageway 44 of anchor 40 may be designed toinclude a variety of forms, so long as it works to constrict the flow ofgas and nanotubes 113 in chamber 11.

To enhance the accumulation of nanotubes there at, projections (notshown) or other similar designs may be provided at the constrictedportion 45 to provide a surface to which a webbing or bundle ofnanotubes 113 can attach. In one embodiment, anchor 40 can be positionednear furnace 116 where the nanotubes 113 may have a relatively greatertendency to adhere to solid surfaces. As it may be near furnace 16,anchor 40 may be made, in an embodiment, from a graphite material or anyother material that would withstanding heat from furnace 16.

Assuming that the nanotubes 113 can be produced at a constant rate, thedesign and location of anchor 40 near furnace 116 can permit thenanotubes 113 to accumulate thereon at a uniform rate. To that end, acontrolled source of nanotubes 113 may be generated for subsequentcollection and formation of yarn 15 having substantially uniformproperties. Furthermore, anchor 40 can act to provide a point from whichthe nanotubes 113 can be pulled to permit substantial alignment of thenanotubes 113 in a direction substantially coaxial with yarn 15. Theability to align the nanotubes 113 along an axis of yarn 15 can enhanceload transfer between the nanotubes 113 to allow for the formation of ahigh strength yarn 15. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that yarn15 can be formed regardless of whether anchor 40 is present.

Synthesis and harvesting of yarn 15 may subsequently be initiated bycausing the spool 17, spindle 14, guide arm 16, and leader to rotate. Inone embodiment, after initiating the synthesis of nanotubes 113, thenanotubes 113 may be directed toward the leader to permit build-up orbundling of the nanotubes 113 thereon. Thereafter, once a webbing orbundling of nanotubes 113 begins to build up on the leader, and theleader can be withdrawn by causing the spool 17 to rotate at a slightlydifferent rate than the spindle 14 and guide arm 16. The formation ofthe nanotube yarn 15, as described above, may proceed automaticallythereafter once the leader has been withdrawn sufficiently from the hotzone 112 of synthesis chamber 11. In particular, the webbing ofnanotubes 113 may be twisted into a yarn 15 at a point near the intakeend 141 of spindle 14. The twisted portions of yarn 15 may then beallowed to move along the core 142 towards the outlet end 143 of spindle14. Upon exiting the outlet end 143, the yarn 15 may be guided alongguide arm 16 and directed toward the spool 17. The yarn 15 maythereafter be wound about spool 17 at a controlled rate.

In accordance with another embodiment, the system 10 may also be usedfor continuous formation of a tow (not shown) from nanotubes 113synthesized within synthesis chamber 11. This tow may be later processedinto a tightly wound yarn, similar to technologies common in the art ofthread and yarn formation. In one embodiment, the tow may be collectedusing the hollow spindle 14, guide arm 16 and spool 17, as describedabove. The formed tow may extend from the spool 17, through the guidearm 16 and spindle 14 into the synthesis chamber 11 near the exit end114. Nanotubes 113, in an embodiment, may accumulate on the tow bywinding around the tow, as the tow spins rapidly and is slowlywithdrawn. An anchor may not required for this mode of operation.However, should it be necessary to provide a point to which the growingend of the spinning tow may attach, an anchor may be used.

The formation of a yarn or tow in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention provides an approach to producing a relatively longfibrous structure capable of being employed in applications requiringlength. In particular, the twisting action during formation of the yarnallows the staple fibers (i.e., nanotubes) to be held together into thelarger fibrous structure (i.e., yarn). Additionally, the twisting ofaxially aligned fibers (i.e., nanotubes) can enhance load transferbetween the fibers to allow for the formation of a high strength yarn.

Specifically, staple fibers, such as the nanotubes synthesized by theprocess of the present invention, can be provided with a high aspectratio (e.g., >100:1 length:diameter). As a result, they can serve betterthan those with smaller aspect ratios to transfer structural loadsbetween individual fibers within a yarn. While fibers with essentiallyinfinite aspect ratio would be ideal, the length scale of structures inwhich the yarn may be incorporated better defines the length and aspectratios required of the constituent fibers. For example, if it isnecessary to bridge a distance of only one to two centimeters, fibersmuch longer than this distance may not required. Furthermore, within ayarn, load transfer typically occurs as an interaction between each ofthe contact points of adjacent fibers. At each contact point, each fibermay interact via, for example, a van der Waal's bond, hydrogen bond, orionic interaction. As such, the presence of a plurality of fibers in theyarn of the present invention can increase the number of contact pointsand thus the bonding interaction between adjacent fibers to enhance loadtransfer between the fibers. Moreover, since twisting can furtherincrease the number of contact points between constituent fibers in ayarn by forcing individual fibers closer together, it can beadvantageous to the overall strength of the yarn to impart twisting. Inthis regard, the ability to independently control twisting and up-takevelocity can be important in order to optimize strength.

The strength of the yarn can further be enhanced by increasing the bondstrength between adjacent fibers. In one embodiment, the yarn may beimpregnated with a matrix material, such as a polymer, or a surfactantmolecule to crosslink adjacent fibers. Crosslinking the fibers usingcovalent or ionic chemical bonds can provide an additional means ofimproving the overall strength of the yarn.

It should be noted that since the number of contact points increases theopportunities for phonon or electron to transfer between adjacentnanotubes, the imparting of a twist to the yarn can also enhance theelectrical and thermal conductivity of the yarn of the presentinvention.

With reference now to FIGS. 5-6, there is illustrated, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention, a system 50 forcollecting synthesized nanotubes made from a CVD process within asynthesis chamber 51, and for subsequently forming bulk fibrousstructures or materials from the nanotubes. In particular, system 50 maybe used in the formation of a substantially continuous non-woven sheetgenerated from compacted and intermingled nanotubes and havingsufficient structural integrity to be handled as a sheet.

System 50, like system 10, may be coupled to a synthesis chamber 51.Synthesis chamber 51, in general, includes an entrance end, into whichreaction gases may be supplied, a hot zone, where synthesis of extendedlength nanotubes may occur, and an exit end 514 from which the productsof the reaction, namely the extended length nanotubes and exhaust gases,may exit and be collected. In one embodiment, synthesis chamber 51 mayinclude a quartz tube 515, extending through in a furnace and mayinclude flanges 517 provided at exit end 514 and entrance end forsealing tube 515. Although illustrated generally in FIG. 5, it should beappreciated that other configurations may be employed in the design ofsynthesis chamber 51.

System 50, in one embodiment of the present invention, includes ahousing 52. Housing 52, as illustrated in FIG. 5, may be substantiallyairtight to minimize the release of potentially hazardous airborneparticulates from within the synthesis chamber 51 into the environment,and to prevent oxygen from entering into the system 50 and reaching thesynthesis chamber 51. In particular, the presence of oxygen within thesynthesis chamber 51 can affect the integrity and compromise theproduction of the nanotubes.

System 50 may also include an inlet 53 for engaging the flanges 517 atexit end 514 of synthesis chamber 51 in a substantially airtight manner.In one embodiment, inlet 53 may include at least one gas exhaust 531through which gases and heat may leave the housing 52. Gas exiting fromexhaust 531, in an embodiment, may be allowed to pass through a liquid,such as water, or a filter to collect nanomaterials not gatheredupstream of the exhaust 531. In addition, the exhaust gas may be treatedin a manner similar to that described above. Specifically, the exhaustgas may be treated with a flame in order to de-energize variouscomponents of the exhaust gas, for instance, reactive hydrogen may beoxidized to form water.

System 50 may further include a moving surface, such as belt 54,situated adjacent inlet 53 for collecting and transporting thenanomaterials, i.e., nanotubes, from exit end 514 of synthesis chamber51. To collect the nanomaterials, belt 54 may be positioned at an anglesubstantially transverse to the flow of gas carrying the nanomaterialsfrom exit end 514 to permit the nanomaterials to be deposited on to belt54. In one embodiment, belt 54 may be positioned substantiallyperpendicularly to the flow of gas and may be porous in nature to allowthe flow of gas carrying the nanomaterials to pass therethrough and toexit from the synthesis chamber 51. The flow of gas from the synthesischamber 51 may, in addition, exit through exhaust 531 in inlet 53.

To carry the nanomaterials away from the inlet 53 of system 50, belt 54may be designed as a continuous loop similar to a conventional conveyorbelt. To that end, belt 54, in an embodiment, may be looped aboutopposing rotating elements 541 and may be driven by a mechanical device,such as an electric motor 542, in a clockwise manner, as illustrated byarrows 543. Alternatively, a drum (not shown) may be used to provide themoving surface for transporting the nanomaterial. Such a drum may alsobe driven by a mechanical device, such as electric motor 542. In anembodiment, motors 542 may be controlled through the use of a controlsystem, similar to that used in connection with mechanical drives 18 and19, so that tension and velocity can be optimized.

Still looking at FIG. 5, system 50 may include a pressure applicator,such as roller 55, situated adjacent belt 54 to apply a compacting force(i.e., pressure) onto the collected nanomaterials. In particular, as thenanomaterials get transported toward roller 55, the nanomaterials onbelt 54 may be forced to move under and against roller 55, such that apressure may be applied to the intermingled nanomaterials while thenanomaterials get compacted between belt 54 and roller 55 into acoherent substantially-bonded non-woven sheet 56 (see FIG. 6). Toenhance the pressure against the nanomaterials on belt 54, a plate 544may be positioned behind belt 54 to provide a hard surface against whichpressure from roller 55 can be applied. It should be noted that the useof roller 55 may not be necessary should the collected nanomaterials beample in amount and sufficiently intermingled, such that an adequatenumber of contact sites exists to provide the necessary bonding strengthto generate the non-woven sheet 56.

To disengage the non-woven sheet 56 of intermingled nanomaterials frombelt 54 for subsequent removal from housing 52, a scalpel or blade 57may be provided downstream of the roller 55 with its edge againstsurface 545 of belt 54. In this manner, as non-woven sheet 56 movesdownstream past roller 55, blade 57 may act to lift the non-woven sheet56 from surface 545 of belt 54.

Additionally, a spool or roller 58 may be provided downstream of blade57, so that the disengaged non-woven sheet 56 may subsequently bedirected thereonto and wound about roller 58 for harvesting. Of course,other mechanisms may be used, so long as the non-woven sheet 56 can becollected for removal from the housing 52 thereafter. Roller 58, likebelt 54, may be driven, in an embodiment, by a mechanical drive, such asan electric motor 581, so that its axis of rotation may be substantiallytransverse to the direction of movement of the non-woven sheet 56.

In order to minimize bonding of the non-woven sheet 56 to itself as itis being wound about roller 58, a separation material 59 (see FIG. 6)may be applied onto one side of the non-woven sheet 56 prior to thesheet 56 being wound about roller 58. The separation material 59 for usein connection with the present invention may be one of variouscommercially available metal sheets or polymers that can be supplied ina continuous roll 591. To that end, the separation material 59 may bepulled along with the non-woven sheet 56 onto roller 58 as sheet 56 isbeing wound about roller 58. It should be noted that the polymercomprising the separation material 59 may be provided in a sheet,liquid, or any other form, so long as it can be applied to one side ofnon-woven sheet 56. Moreover, since the intermingled nanotubes withinthe non-woven sheet 56 may contain catalytic nanoparticles of aferromagnetic material, such as Fe, Co, Ni, etc., the separationmaterial 59, in one embodiment, may be a non-magnetic material, e.g.,conducting or otherwise, so as to prevent the non-woven sheet 56 fromsticking strongly to the separation material 59.

Furthermore, system 50 may be provided with a control system (notshown), similar to that in system 10, so that rotation rates ofmechanical drives 542 and 581 may be adjusted accordingly. In oneembodiment, the control system may be designed to receive data fromposition sensors, such as optical encoders, attached to each ofmechanical drives 542 and 581. Subsequently, based on the data, thecontrol system may use a control algorithm in order to modify powersupplied to each drive in order to control the rate of each drive sothat they substantially match the rate of nanotube collection on belt 54to avoid compromising the integrity of the non-woven sheet as it isbeing wound about the spool. Additionally, the control system can act tosynchronize a rate of spin of the roller 58 to that of belt 54. In oneembodiment, tension of the non-woven sheet 56 can be reset in real timedepending on the velocity values, so that the tension between the belt54 and roller 58 can be kept within a set value.

The control system can also vary the rate between the roller 58 and belt54, if necessary, to control the up-take of the non-woven sheet 56 byroller 58. In addition, the control system can cause the roller 58 toadjust slightly back and forth along its axis, so as to permit thenon-woven sheet 56 to evenly remain on roller 58.

To the extent desired, an electrostatic field (not shown) may beemployed to align the nanotubes, generated from synthesis chamber 51,approximately in a direction of belt motion. The electrostatic field maybe generated, in one embodiment, by placing, for instance, two or moreelectrodes circumferentially about the exit end 514 of synthesis chamber51 and applying a high voltage to the electrodes. The voltage, in anembodiment, can vary from about 10 V to about 100 kV, and preferablyfrom about 4 kV to about 6 kV. If necessary, the electrodes may beshielded with an insulator, such as a small quartz or other suitableinsulator. The presence of the electric field can cause the nanotubesmoving therethrough to substantially align with the field, so as toimpart an alignment of the nanotubes on moving belt 54.

System 50, as noted, can provide bulk nanomaterials of high strength ina non-woven sheet. By providing the nanomaterials in a non-woven sheet,the bulk nanomaterials can be easily handled and subsequently processedfor end use applications, including (i) structural systems, such asfabrics, armor, composite reinforcements, antennas, electrical orthermal conductors, and electrodes, (ii) mechanical structural elements,such as plates and I-beams, and (iii) cabling or ropes. Otherapplications can include hydrogen storage, batteries, or capacitorcomponents.

Moreover, the non-woven sheet may be incorporated into compositestructures for additional end use applications, such as sporting goodsproducts, helmets, etc. In one embodiment, a composite material may beformed by impregnating the non-woven sheet with a matrix precursor, suchas Krayton, vinyl ester, PEEK, bispolyamide, BMI (bismaleimide),epoxies, or polyamides, and subsequently allowing the matrix topolymerize or thermally cure.

In an alternate embodiment, a layered composite of materials may beformed by sintering non-woven sheets together with a matrix material.For example, adjacent layers of non-woven sheets may be separated with asheet of matrix precursor and subsequently sintered in a hot press underisostatic pressure.

It should also be noted that, although structural applications arediscussed herein, the nanomaterial based yarn and non-woven sheets maybe used in numerous other applications which require structures to beformed from nanomaterials. Such structures may be used, for instance, inelectrical applications as conducting materials, or as electrodes of acapacitor, or battery or fuel cell. In such an instance, since thenanomaterials provided in the electrode structure has a substantiallyhigh surface area, the nanomaterials can provide capacitors or batterieswith a substantially large area to which electrons or ions mightlocalize in order to store charge or transfer charge to or from theelectrode. The high surface area or surface chemistry of nanomaterialsin bulk macroscale structures may also be a useful property inmechanical filtration applications.

Furthermore, because nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes are knownto have extremely high heat transfer coefficients, bulk structuresproduced with the system of the present invention may also be useful asconductors of phonons or thermal energy.

It should also be appreciated that yarns and tows made from synthesizednanomaterials of the present invention, especially those with nanotubespreferentially aligned along the axis of the yarn, may be incorporatedas bulk assemblies having fibers oriented substantially parallel to oneanother, such as in a woven fabric. In addition, macroscale structuresmay be made from non-woven sheets of the present invention havingaligned fibers. Since these structures of parallel conducting fibershave controlled spacing based on, for example, the amount ofnanomaterials, the spacing of yarns in a weave, or the thickness ofindividual yarns, the presence of aligned fibers in these assemblies ormacroscale structures may impart interesting properties to theassemblies and macroscale structures.

For example, in electrical applications, parallel conductors may be usedas polarizing filters, diffraction gratings, and occasionally objectswith large backscatter cross-sections. All of these applications may bedependent on the wavelength of incident electromagnetic waves, and thespacing, diameter and length of the parallel conductors which interactwith the waves. By controlling the spacing between parallel conductingfibers, the interaction of an assembly of these fibers withelectromagnetic radiation of specific frequencies may be controlled. Forinstance, a polarizing filter for terahertz frequency electromagneticradiation may be defined by a thread size and tightness of a weave ofnanotube yarns. Using, for example, 100 micron diameter yarns woven at a300 micron pitch should be sufficient to polarize radiation withwavelengths in the vicinity of 300 microns, which corresponds to a 1 THzelectromagnetic wave.

As a second example, aligned nanotubes within a non-woven sheet or yarnmay have spacings and nanotube diameters on the order of severalnanometers, but much longer conducting paths along the axis of thenanotubes. By providing aligned nanotubes in a non-woven sheet or withina continuous yarn, a diffraction grating may be provided that caninteract strongly with x-rays. These bulk structures, therefore, caneasily be formed to provide diffraction gratings and polarizers forx-rays. Moreover, because perpendicular polarizers can blocktransmission of the electromagnetic waves incident on the polarizers andwith which each polarizer interacts, it may be possible to block x-raysusing two non-woven sheets of aligned nanotubes, provided that thenanotubes in the first sheet may be oriented substantiallyperpendicularly to the nanotubes in the second sheet. A tightly wovenfabric of yarns of aligned nanotubes may also have a similar effect. Assuch, it may be possible to use bulk structures having aligned nanotubesin broad-spectrum electromagnetic absorption shielding for x-rays,ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, terahertz, microwave radiation,and radar and radio frequencies.

In another embodiment, the nanofibrous materials of the presentinvention having aligned nanotubes may be incorporated for use inanisotropic composites and thermal conductors, and especially ingratings, filters, and shields of electromagnetic radiation, or otherwaves, such as electrons or neutrons with wavelengths greater than, forinstance, 0.1 nm.

While the invention has been described in connection with the specificembodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of furthermodification. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention, including suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which the invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for presenting synthesized nanotubesfor subsequent formation of nanofibrous materials, the apparatuscomprising: disc having a proximal end and a distal end; a passagewayextending between the proximal end and the distal end; and a constrictedportion at the distal end of the passageway to permit accumulation ofthe nanotubes thereat for use as a source from which nanotubes may bepresented for subsequent formation of nanofibrous materials.
 2. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the passageway is taperedfrom the proximal end toward the distal end of the disc.
 3. A method forpresenting synthesized nanotubes for subsequent formation of nanofibrousmaterials, the method comprising: positioning, in a flow of synthesizednanotubes, a disc having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passagewaytherebetween provided with a constricted portion at the distal end;directing a volume of the synthesized nanotubes into the passagewaythrough the proximal end of the disc; and accumulating the nanotubes atthe constricted portion to provide a source from which nanotubes may bepresented for subsequent formation of nanofibrous materials.
 4. A methodof claim 3, wherein, in the step of accumulating, the constrictedportion is tapered in design.